Bright and early last Wednesday morning I traveled to beautiful Bryce Canyon, Utah for a quilt retreat. I was so looking forward to a fun “working vacation” with friends and family! My sister-in-law and her sister were attending as were several of my friends. The scenery never fails to disappoint, and I had to pull over to the side of the road to take this picture with my phone. I wish I had taken a photo on the way home…it was a completely different view with everything covered in snow!
I had an absolutely wonderful time teaching my 3 classes–two of them were quite full, and it was a challenge making sure every student was getting all of the information and instruction they needed; I had stressed for months about a couple of the classes when I saw how high the numbers were. I think it turned out okay; at the end of each class the blocks were starting to come together, and beautiful quilts were on their way. Everyone was incredibly friendly and nice, and I truly enjoyed talking with and meeting so many new people. I have to say it was rewarding that all 23 of the the students in my “Abby’s Treasure Box” class finished their bags within 2 hours of the start of class!
Along with teaching the three classes, I was able to do a little shopping at the vendor booths. I thought I had picked up just a few fat quarters, but this afternoon I counted and had purchased 20 of them! I must say I had to pick up some fabric because I got into one of my classes last minute and hadn’t brought supplies…so that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it! Actually, though, I think I was thinking to myself what wonderful additions some of these would be for my “scrappy trip along” quilt!
The first class I took was a sewing with laminates class by Jina Barney. Laminates have terrified me for years. I don’t really know why, but I just haven’t felt like I would ever be able to sew well with them. The class was wonderful, and I’m now excited to add more laminate sewing to my project list. I didn’t have a special foot or even my walking foot with me, but by putting blue painter’s tape on the bottom of my presser foot I was able to sew smoothly and evenly. It also helped to lengthen my stitch to 3.5.
My “last-minute” class was the “Tessie Flower” quilt class taught by Amy McClellan, owner of American Quilting in Orem, Utah. (You’ll notice I did use some of the fabrics I purchased to make my first block, so they were necessary purchases)! I really enjoyed the class, and felt like Amy’s applique’ method is one I’ll use again. I was especially happy with how the points of my leaves turned out. I feel like my applique’ skills have really improved over the past couple of years, and I’m excited to make the rest of the blocks for this quilt!
and .Borrowing Fire: Rewriting the Eulogy for a Boy Named Wolf.
I collect pitchers and was thrilled to find a pitcher among the things for sale by this wonderful speaker. Even though he spoke of pottery and books, I appreciated how his insight into creativity applied to my art, quilting. Here are three quotes I wrote down from Ben:
Maja says
And Thank you Sherri for sharing so thoughtful words!
Brenda says
It is good for the soul to get away and do what makes us happy.
CathyK says
It sounds as though you had a wonderful time on many levels! I just love those quotes at the end!! Thank you for a wonderful post!!
Carol says
What a wonderful, wonderful post Sherri…thank you so much for sharing your retreat with us. Glad you had such a great time…Love those quotes!
Jean(ie) says
Exhausted yet refreshed means that the brain got a good dose of inspiration. I love times like that!
amy smart says
Sounds like a great time! I'm so glad you could go Sherri. I'd love to go one day – I even told my husband about it and HE wants me to go so that he can tag along and hike and cross-country ski at Bryce. 🙂 Maybe it will happen one day!
Also, so fun that you heard Ben Behunin speak. I loved those quotes. I went to school with Ben since Kindergarten. It's been fun to watch him become what he is now. He's a talented guy! (I even have one of his bowls he gave us as a wedding present 15 years ago!)
Nanette Merrill says
I wish I had been there. I didn't even get an invitation this year. I guess if you don't go for 2 years, you get dropped off. I'm sure you had a great time. I would have loved to take both of those classes.
Beverly says
I almost felt like I was there! Good report! I love your new pitcher.
gwendiequilts says
Besides being a quilter, I've been a potter for many years so I loved that you had a potter speak!
What type of applique did Amy teach? I don't see any stitches holding it on!
gwendiequilts says
Besides being a quilter, I've been a potter for many years so I loved that you had a potter speak!
What type of applique did Amy teach? I don't see any stitches holding it on!
Smeek says
THis was a wonderful post. THank you for sharing. Really don't need an excuse to buy more fabric, you know. I will keep the artist sayings close by.
Thimbleanna says
Oh, you lucky girl! It sounds like such a fun retreat — and in one of my favorite places on the planet. Love that cute little flower!
Jacque Wright says
Sherri – could you tell us what kind of appliqué method you learned? It looks like you had a great time!
mindingmomma says
sounds like you had a grand time. love the rainbow of purchases.
SewCalGal says
sounds like a wonderful quilt retreat. Of course, I love quilting and the Bryce National Park, so I can't imagine a better quilt retreat.
I hope you'll share more photos and insights.
SewCalGal
http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Mama Pea says
Glad you had such a great time and that your classes went so well. I'll have to remember that "story" next time I splurge on fabric….